Depending on the cause or severity, the pain can occur immediately or in the future. These misalignments also create a negative effect on the nerves exiting the spine. This happens when the misalignment causes a small local muscle spasm in that area, as well as the inflammation and irritation to the disk.

The combined effects, along with the misalignment itself, closes the hole in which the nerve travels causing a "pinched nerve". Pinched nerves can cause a variety of symptoms, including those away from the area of irritation. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause arm and /or hand pain and weakness. A misalignment will decrease range of motion in the joint and will restrict movement. The specific region will be tense and stiff. A common example of this would be someone who has difficulty turning his head to look over his shoulder.